Description
Crispy Zucchini Chips are a healthy, delicious snack made by thinly slicing zucchinis, seasoning them, and baking at a low temperature until perfectly crisp. They combine light olive oil, sea salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika for a flavorful touch, with optional grated parmesan for added richness. These chips are a nutritious alternative to traditional fried snacks, ideal for serving as a light appetizer or guilt-free munching.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 medium zucchinis
Seasonings
- 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil (or avocado oil for a healthier option)
- ½ teaspoon of sea salt
- ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon of black pepper
Optional
- Grated parmesan (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) to ensure a low-temperature baking process that helps create perfectly crispy zucchini chips without burning.
- Slice Zucchinis: Wash and dry your zucchinis thoroughly, then slice them into thin, even rounds to promote uniform baking and crispiness.
- Salt and Drain: Lay the zucchini slices on a paper towel, sprinkle lightly with sea salt, and let them sit for 10 minutes. This step helps draw out excess moisture for crispier chips.
- Pat Dry: Use another paper towel to pat the zucchini slices dry, removing the moisture drawn out by the salt.
- Season: Toss the dried zucchini slices in a bowl with olive oil and the seasonings: garlic powder, smoked paprika (if using), and black pepper to evenly coat the slices.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Lay the zucchini slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Bake and Flip: Bake the slices in the preheated oven for about 1.5 to 2 hours, flipping them halfway through the baking time to allow both sides to crisp evenly.
- Check Crispiness: Start checking for desired crispiness around the 90-minute mark. Remove from oven once chips are dry, crispy, and lightly golden. Optionally sprinkle grated parmesan over the hot chips before serving for extra flavor.
Notes
- Using thin, uniform slices is key to achieving crispy chips.
- Salting the zucchini helps remove excess moisture, which results in a better crunch.
- Baking at a low temperature prevents burning and allows slow dehydration of the chips.
- If you want a dairy-free option, omit the parmesan.
- Store leftover chips in an airtight container to maintain crispiness.
